The Province has developed the BC Heat Alert and Response System (BC HARS) to support public health and safety during heat events. This new framework will include the use of the national Alert Ready system to issue public alerts for extreme heat emergencies.
BC HARS categorizes heat events as heat warnings or extreme heat emergencies, with thresholds varying across health regions. It also includes a series of non-binding public health recommendations developed for specific stakeholders (e.g. provincial ministries, local authorities) on how to respond before, during and after a heat event. Should a heat warning or extreme heat emergency occur, the Province and local governments may consider these recommendations to inform appropriate action that is based on their individual heat plans and processes.
The Province has indicated that it is prepared to use the Alert Ready system in the event of an extreme heat emergency. The Alert Ready system is already used in British Columbia to provide notifications regarding Amber alerts, as well as tsunami, wildfire and flooding events.
Implementation of BC HARS follows the recent announcement of a new CEPF funding stream to support local government extreme heat risk mapping, assessment and planning. A new Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide has also been developed by the Province, to help individuals prepare their homes and stay safe.
The Province of BC recently launched the Extreme Heat Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning funding stream to support local governments and First Nations to ensure they have accurate knowledge of the risks associated with extreme heat and how these risks will change over time, and to develop effective response plans and strategies to prepare, mitigate, and adapt to those risks. The application deadline is June 24, 2022.